Borax

[BlueJasper]

Not Borat, but Borax the cleaning stuff. Wife is asking if it is safe to use in the toilet on the boat. It says its a natural mineral, but does anybody have any views on its likely impact on seals etc when put down the loo?

 

[Kawasaki]

Used quite a bit in dishwashers and stuff.
The seals in your bog should be ok.
Dunno about the Common, Grey or Harbour ones though!

 

[sarabande]

seems Ok-ish.
http://cartwright.chem.ox.ac.uk/hsci/chemicals/borax.html

 

[Major Catastrophe]

Men died to mine it, so it is harmful to some!

 

[BlueJasper]

The wife was telling me it was a 'green alternative to bleach'. I don't think the seals will like it at all!!

 

[VicS]

As said it is, or can be, a constituent of dishwasher powder although it is a wee bit harmful/toxic.

It is slightly alkaline, pH 9 and a bit depending on concentration

I dont think it will affect the seals but it may make limescale formation worse.

Bleach is not so good in your marine toilet either because that is strongly alkaline and even more likely to cause limescale formation.

White vinegar is the stuff always recommended

 

[BlueJasper]

Many Thanks. I have told her that bleach is not allowed on the boat, but I find tiny jars in hidden away places. Vinegar it is then - will that help keep the toilet bowl clean?

 

[VicS]

It may still need an occasional clean but the main thing is that a regular flush through with vinegar will keep the limescale at bay.